Agave Estates Bridal Open House Wed. July 30

Yearning to get away from it all…without really getting away from it all? We’d like to introduce you to an absolute treasure of a destination-wedding site (destination: Katy, Texas). Inspired by the landscape, textures and graciousness of Old Mexico, Agave Estates surrounds wedding couples and their guests with adobe hues and rustic wood beams, wrought-iron fixtures and the flicker of candlelight reflected in placid waters. Two unique venues set on two sprawling, wooded properties totaling 35 acres, Agave Estates features Agave Road, with capacity for 280 guests, and more intimate Agave Real, with room for 200. Both venues benefit from the talents and impeccable service of on-site wedding coordination and design operation Agave Brothers, which offers everything from floral design to ceremony and reception rentals to that tiered wedding confection you’ve envisioned in your happiest wedding dreams. Which means you can have your destination-wedding-cake and eat it too, without ever boarding a plane.

Experience Agave Estates for yourself next Wednesday, July 30, when the acclaimed Houston-area wedding venue throws open its gorgeous imported doors to welcome brides and their besties for tastings, tours and vendor meet-and-greets. The bridal event festivities start at 6 p.m. and go ’til 9:30, so even hardworking Houston brides who have a hard time leaving their work desks can get in on the action. RSVP today, and we’ll see you there!

Photos: Plum Tree Studios (top & middle); FireHeart Photography (bottom)

Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON FALL 2014 | REAL WEDDING FEATURE

Lisa and Donald ~ January 19, 2014

While their Match.com introduction might not be the essence of tradition, Don’s request to Lisa’s dad for permission to marry his daughter certainly was. “After getting my dad’s blessing, he dropped to one knee and I said, ‘Yes!’” recalls the bride—who also happens to be director of catering and conferences for one of Houston’s most revered wedding venues: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Naturally, the couple wed at Lisa’s longtime place of employment, aided in planning by the hotel’s social catering manager, Jim Gray. Highlights of the joyful occasion included a ceremony filled with poignant readings by the couple’s many family members. Avid foodies both, Don and Lisa incorporated wine pairings into their lavish menu, and treated guests to exquisite desserts, almond-and-raspberry wedding cake, and postprandial cigars. “My favorite part of the night was singing and dancing with my niece and goddaughter Caroline to—yes—‘Sweet Caroline,’ by Neil Diamond,” Lisa recalls happily. “The entire room joined in!”

{ Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography } Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography { Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography } Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography

Names: Lisa Hopkins & Donald Barry ~ Number of Guests 135 ~ Venue: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa ~ Lighting Bright Star Productions ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Officiant: Minister Lynn Turner, Weddings Performed ~ Photography: D. Jones Photography ~ Honeymoon: Hawaii

Contemporary Engagement Shoot by Civic Photos

We are absolutely in love with beautiful bride-to-be Kristy and handsome groom Desmond’s engagement shoot for several reasons: 1. They are ridiculously good-looking AND well dressed. 2. The theme went from super modern and edgy to casual, yet romantic. 3. We can’t wait to see how amazing their upcoming wedding in August at Chateau Polonez will be! Check out their engagement shoot by Civic Photos– great job Barett!

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Photos: Civic Photos ~ Locations: Cantoni and Galveston Island

Houston Heights Backyard Wedding Ceremony by Ama by Aisha Photography & Cinema

For their fall wedding, Houstonians Katheryne and Casey knew they wanted “a small, intimate ceremony so that we could have a meaningful event that focused on our family, and so our four dogs could participate,” the bride says. What better spot, then, for their vows, than the autumn-leaf-and-rose-petal-strewn backyard of their Houston Heights home? Shot by Aisha Khan of Ama by Aisha Photography & Cinema (who just happened to be our AWESOME official show photographer at the Jan. 26 I Do! Bridal Soiree at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston), the couple’s nuptials are the very picture of relaxed revelry and vintage-touched fun. We couldn’t be happier to share their special day, and lovely pix!

Photos: Ama by Aisha Photography & Cinema ~ Bride’s Dress: J. Crew ~ Flowers: Floral Events ~ Rentals: Any Occasion Party Rental ~ Venue: Couple’s Houston Heights Home

A Fresh, New Mia Bridal Couture + A Fabulous Watters Trunk Show!

Houston Bridal Salon

With its chic and welcoming River Oaks salon, and its reputation for gorgeous wedding gowns and highly personalized service, Mia Bridal Couture has long been a favorite among style-minded Houston brides searching for “the one.” And it just got even better. Sporting a fresh new logo, soon to be launching a new full-featured website, and now featuring design houses Enaura, Pronovias Atelier and Ysa Makino for the very first time, Mia Bridal Couture is taking bridal glamour to a whole new level.

And what better way to celebrate its sparkling new look than with a hot-off-the-New-York-bridal-market-runway TRUNK SHOW, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, showcasing the latest Fall 2014 looks from perennial bridal favorite Watters. Call 713.622.2022 now to book your appointment for a Thanksgiving-weekend date with these dazzling dresses…and give yourself something to be truly thankful for!

We’ll be showcasing Mia Bridal Couture all this week, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for a peek at stunning new gowns, upcoming Mia Bridal Couture events—and an exclusive Mia Bridal Couture interview with one of the most exciting new bridal designers on the planet.

And happy shopping, Houston bride!

Watters Bridal Gowns 2014

Photo: Watters